Is Polymarket Legal in France? Blocked — Updated 2026

Quick Answer: No, Polymarket is blocked in France. The ANJ (Autorité Nationale des Jeux) ordered geo-blocking of Polymarket for French users in November 2024.

Polymarket Status in France

❌ Blocked — Polymarket has been geo-blocked in France since November 2024, following an order from the French gambling regulator.

France was one of the first European countries to take formal regulatory action against Polymarket, and the block remains in effect as of March 2026. French IP addresses are prevented from accessing the Polymarket trading interface.

Why Polymarket Is Blocked in France

The block was initiated by the ANJ (Autorité Nationale des Jeux), France's national gambling authority:

• November 2024 — The ANJ classified Polymarket as an unauthorized gambling platform operating in France without a license
• French gambling law — Under French law, offering gambling services to French residents requires a license from the ANJ. Polymarket does not hold such a license
• IP-based blocking — Polymarket implemented IP-based geo-blocking for French users to comply with the ANJ's order
• Enforcement — The ANJ has the authority to order ISPs to block access and can impose fines on operators

Regulatory Background

France has one of Europe's strictest gambling regulatory frameworks. The ANJ regulates all forms of gambling, including online betting and gaming. When Polymarket's popularity surged during the 2024 U.S. presidential election, it drew the ANJ's attention, leading to the formal blocking order. The ANJ viewed prediction markets as a form of gambling requiring authorization under French law.

What French Users Should Know

Using a VPN

Some French users attempt to use VPNs to bypass the geo-block. This comes with significant risks:

• Violates Polymarket's Terms of Service — VPN usage to circumvent geo-restrictions is explicitly prohibited
• Potential legal risk — Using an unauthorized gambling platform may violate French gambling law
• Account suspension — Polymarket can detect and suspend accounts using VPNs
• No support — If issues arise while using a VPN, Polymarket support will not assist

Alternatives for French Users

If you are in France and interested in prediction markets, consider these alternatives:

• Kalshi — CFTC-regulated prediction market (check availability in France)
• Manifold Markets — Play-money prediction market with no geo-restrictions
• Licensed French betting platforms — Some licensed operators may offer limited event betting

If You Are Traveling to France

If you are a Polymarket user from another country traveling to France:

• Your existing positions remain on the blockchain and are safe
• You will not be able to access the Polymarket interface while in France
• Consider managing your positions before traveling
• VPN usage to access the platform from France violates the ToS

Will Polymarket Become Available in France?

The block could potentially be lifted if:

• Polymarket obtains an ANJ gambling license (complex and unlikely in the near term)
• French lawmakers create a specific regulatory framework for prediction markets separate from gambling
• EU-level regulation provides a harmonized approach to prediction markets

However, none of these outcomes appear imminent. French users should plan for continued unavailability.

Full Country Availability List

See which countries can access Polymarket in our Polymarket Restricted Countries List.

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